Small Copper - Lycaena
phlaeas. 22 - 27mm. In addition to its palearctic distribution, this
species also inhabits North America. Its favourite haunts are dry, flowery
places, open country or open steppes. In the mountains it ascends to an
elevation of 2000m. There are a number of subspecies, one of which (spp.
polaris Courv.) was described from northern Europe: its wings have the
underside grey. This species produces two or three broods, depending on
locality. On sunny late autumn days it can be seen flying about in the
fields. It is a shy butterfly and a swift flyer. The caterpillar, the
hibernating stage, feeds on sorrel and knotgrass.
Illustrations from: A field Fuide in Colour
to Butterflies and Moths (1982) Ivo Novak. Octopus
